The Pearl

For the diver Kino, finding a magnificent pearl means the promise of better life for his impoverished family. His dream blinds him to the greed and suspicions the pearl arouses in him and his neighbors, and even his loving wife cannot temper his obsession or stem the events leading to tragedy. Kino and his wife illustrate the fall from innocence of people who believe that wealth erases all problems.

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The writing is incredibly lucid and potent, which alone makes this novella worth reading. The film lacks in depth in places but tries to feign depth with its subject matter. The final chapters especially end up feeling a bit silly for some reason, probably because Steinbeck tries so hard to be poignant with the narrative. I enjoyed reading the book, and I understand why it is a required reading in many high schools, but even Steinbeck's beautiful use of language cannot save this narrative from trying just a bit too hard.

This book was entertaining and a quick read. Although it was quite a disappointment and I better stop before I say anything worst. A good book if your waiting in multiple offices during appointments through out the day. LOL

This is LITERATURE. The whole book happens in two days. The author will introduce you to a different culture and characters, put in a situation far from normal where may be they cannot handle it.
Is money a blessing for the better future of your loving ones? Or it comes with too much of a sacrifice? Is it worthy to fight for a better future or not?
If you do not connect with Steinbeck either you have not a soul, either you are not ready for Literature, go back to the shelf of junk novels for your mind to feed on them. Come back for Literature when you are ready.

This is the first Steinbeck book I've read that didn't have a bunch of drunks, a suicide, and/or a killing as an ending. For this reason alone, the author and book earn two stars. After that, nothing else really describes how one can devote 100 pages to a pearl... Ho hum, I could have had two hours of sleep and been more entertained..

The theme of this book is neither pearls nor pearl divers, as the library subject headings would have you believe. It is about Greed. And the clash of a simple ancient culture in La Paz, Mexico, with a dominant, conquering, money-motivated culture. Beautifully written, simply written, and yet profound. Originally published in a magazine; short enough to read in an afternoon.

I love the way this book is written. Every time I read Steinbeck I enjoy his writing more. Just beautiful.

doudou_2
Jul 06, 2013

I just finished reading this book for my school's summer reading and I highly recommend it. It is full of morals represented in the conflict between innocence ( Kino, Coyotito and Juana ; the Song of Family ) and evil ( avarice, the Song of Evil or the Song of the Pearl ). Kino, the poor fisherman, was happy for finding the Pearl of the World that would save his ill child and solve his problems, and he thought that everyone in his town would feel the same. However, the people's greed and avarice destroyed his innocent dreams and the Song of the evil became stronger than the Song of the Pearl.